THE Army's new 22 Signals Regiment will be based in Stafford, the Ministry of Defence announced.

THE Army's new 22 Signals Regiment will be based in Stafford, the Ministry of Defence announced.

An additional 570 military personnel are to be stationed at the former RAF base, which officially closed in March this year following a Government defence review.

The news has been welcomed by the local MP and town councillors, who said the decision would benefit the borough's economic regeneration.

In a statement, the Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said the regiment would be formed and effective from April 1 next year.

He said: "After detailed examination, I am now pleased to confirm that it has been decided, subject to further detailed work and Trade Union consultation, that it is our intention to form up the unit at the former RAF site at Stafford.

"The proposal will see approximately 570 additional military personnel based at the site, who will be accommodated in the Stafford area. It is also anticipated that approximately 200 families are likely to move to the area, and there will be a requirement for a small number of administrative posts to support the regiment."

The Labour MP for Stafford David Kidney said he was delighted that the base would continue to contribute to the defence of the country.

He said: "The skills needed for modern communications in our Armed Forces are high and the Army jobs will be good quality. Service personnel and their families will live, shop and send their children to school locally. This is good for our economy.

"Our local taskforce will continue to talk to the Army about the future uses of the base and see, for example, what civilian jobs will be needed alongside the Army ones. We will also discuss what further services the base can take.

"There is much to celebrate about this decision because it brings a welcome sense of security after a time of uncertainty. It unlocks future potential at the base as well. I am very pleased that the Ministry of Defence has made this decision."